9 Awesome Adoption Baby Shower Ideas

Yes, even prents-by-adoption can have a sip-and-see shower. Simply put, you wait until the child is with their parent or parents. With their permission, throw a shower where their nearest-and-dearest can stop by and get a peak of the babe. Keep in mind, many adoptive parents try to intensely bond with their children, so passing the baby around is not ideal. However, this friend and their new little one deserve a warm welcome. Gifts are always appreciated, and of course, offer up refreshments to the guests.

Even though this friend is thrilled to bring a child into their life, they may want to also learn to embrace parenthood. Host a parent-to-be-party complete with cocktails, appetizers, popular music, and, the main treat: gifts. Ask guests to bring the guest or guests of honor a gift that will help them with parenthood. These can be must-have parenting books, a bottle of wine, and a lush robe. What helped you most as a new parent? Perhaps it was a gift card for a favorite restaurant or some self-care items like facial masks, cozy slippers, and a satin pillowcase (for very short good night’s rest).

A lot of back-in-the-day showers had punch bowls, thickly frosted grocery store cakes, and cheesy games. A throwback shower can be a lot of fun for a mom-by-adoption (or any mom-to-be). Just make sure the games you choose are inclusive of adoptive moms. Ditch the “how big is mom’s belly” (of course) type games, and instead, get creative. An easy game is gift BINGO, where guests check off classic baby shower gifts on individual BINGO cards. Of course, there will be prizes! Ask each guest to write down mom advice for the parents-to-be on stationary, then gather their words, and place them in a photo box or album. Don’t forget about a party favor!

Those who wait to adopt can wait, and wait, and wait. Create an uplifting and intimate shower for an adoptive mom-to-be. Only invite their closest family and friends. Host the shower during the evening, play some jazz, light the candles (or use fairy lights), and have everyone wear their pjs. Spend the evening just enjoying each other’s company. Request board books, blankets, and sleepers for gifts. Make the shower as low-pressure and soothing as possible.

What is the thing the parent-to-be enjoys the most? Maybe it’s a specific sports team, a hobby, or even a movie. Use this as the inspiration for the shower. Nobody said showers have to be pink or blue, pastel jungle animals, or anything other typical theme. Utilize the theme, say, baseball, to generate snacks. A baseball-themed shower could mean guests are offered nachos, hot dogs, and popcorn. Remember, focus on the parent-to-be and what will bring then joy as they waits for their turn to become a parent.

Once the little one has arrived, host a shower for the family — which may include a partner and siblings. Make the shower as kid-friendly as possible — with lots of activity options and a menu that is sure to please. Pizza and salad are always a crowd-pleasing meal, especially if you offer beer for the adults. Again, make sure this shower works for the new family. The gift opening can happen later, in the privacy of their home. Use the shower to socialize, but keep in mind that hours and hours of fun may be too draining.

If you’re struggling to find a theme, consider the time of year you plan to throw the shower. For example, if the shower is in winter, consider a "baby-it’s-cold-outside" theme. Use light blue and white decorations, offer snowflake cookies and hot chocolate, and play games like “baby” charades (where all clues have “baby” in them, such as the word in movie titles and song titles). Certain times of year can be particularly difficult for a waiting parent, such as the holidays. A seasonal shower may just be the thing that picks them up.

Sometimes, a waiting-to-adopt parent has many family and friends spread throughout the country, even the world. A virtual shower can be an alternative to a physical shower. Schedule an online meeting (keeping various time zones and differences in mind), have the couple or parent register for gifts, and then share the details with their loved ones — asking them to send their gifts in advance. You can even ask guests to wear a certain color, just for fun. You can attempt to play games virtually — with some creativity and organization. If you’re near the parent-to-be, set up a celebratory backdrop for her such as balloons and a “baby shower” banner.

Some adoptive parents may not feel comfortable having a shower before the adoption is finalized, that is, when the adoption is legally declared as official. Many adoptive families have a waiting period between when the child arrives and when the adoption finalization occurs. Consider a shower with a theme like “it’s o-fish-al” or a theme that matches the child’s nursery. Sometimes it’s hard for those outside of adoption to understand, but waiting until the adoption is finalized to celebrate can be important.

There’s no clear way to honor a waiting or new adoptive parent. Consider their situation, preferences, and favorites. No matter what route you go, this hopeful parent will appreciate being cared for during this important time in their life.